Buddy Guy has released "Rhythm & Blues" on his 77th birthday. / Getty Images for NARM

by Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

by Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

Now 52 years into his career, guitar master Buddy Guy proves that the very best blues reflect an accumulation of hard-won experience and good, good times.

To mark his 77th birthday Tuesday, Guy releases perhaps his finest album. Rhythm & Blues (* * * * out of four) is a two-disc set - one of high-energy R&B, the other of richly textured Chicago-style blues - produced by his longtime collaborator/drummer, Tom Hambridge.

There's no coasting or padding: All but three of the 21 songs are high-quality originals, some autobiographical; the guests, including Kid Rock (on a rollicking cover of Messin' With the Kid), Gary Clark Jr., Keith Urban, members of Aerosmith and Beth Hart (on the stellar What You Gonna Do About Me), more than pull their weight.

Guy is as focused and fiery, tender and tough, sly and sublime as he's ever been.

Download:I Go By Feel, What You Gonna Do About Me, I Could Die Happy, One Day Away